The best education

We all know many high schools teach shop classes, and these classes are where many metalworking professionals get their first taste of machining. Other training options include vocational tech schools and college classes. But where did you receive your most important education?

I believe some of the best education is provided on the job. Not necessarily by your employer, but by your coworkers. Sure, you learned basic feeds and speeds from a Machinery’s Handbook in school. That’s also where you probably learned how to setup a nice cut block in a vise or a piece of round bar in a lathe. 

But where did you learn how to set up a casting on a machining center? Where did you learn about high-speed machining? Where did you learn to program that snazzy multiple-axis turning center with a bar feeder and programmable tailstock? Where did you learn to machine nickel-base superalloys? I’ll bet it was on the job.

Schools are great at teaching the basics. Without a basic foundation, it would be difficult to succeed in any endeavor. However, alternatives to traditional school programs can also be effective. For example, an apprenticeship combined with some schooling can be as good or better than just formal education. 

If you’re just out of school and a newbie to the business, find a senior machinist to be your mentor. This must be a person you can consult if you have any questions. Have him critique your setups. If you’re programming a part, have him evaluate your toolpaths and logic. Maybe a toolpath needs to be moved elsewhere in the program. If you can’t see the logic in what he’s doing, ask why. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn from an experienced professional. 

Wherever I’ve worked, I’ve always taken the approach that I can learn more. Observe the most senior people in your department and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That way, you’ll expand your knowledge base in the trade and eventually start developing your own ideas and techniques.

This doesn’t apply only to machinists. Whether you’re a programmer, manufacturing engineer, mechanical engineer or whatever, no one knows everything at the onset of their career. On my first job, I learned materials, inspection, machining and programming. Being naturally inquisitive helps, but so does listening. Listen, then act.

At another company I learned about high-volume production and how to program multiple-axis turning centers. I also learned work cell concepts. At still another company, I learned CAD and how to program robots. The list goes on. 

At each place I asked the senior people questions and listened. I tried their techniques and found that they almost always worked well. I then formulated my own ideas and concepts to improve on what I had learned. Certain setups, for example, were tried and true; others had room for improvement.

I’m no genius. I just like to learn. But I also like to share. When someone new arrives and wants a hand with something or has a question, I’m there to help as much as I can. If I don’t know something, I’ll get the answer or point him in the right direction.

To all of the individuals who have taught me over the years, thank you. I appreciate all you’ve done for me in my career. To all junior people, when you become the senior people in your facility, remember to share. It’s your obligation to pass it forward.